Signing Milad Mohammadi would make all the difference for Celtic

Milad Mohammadi has been on Celtic’s radar since the summer transfer window. Back then, he was linked with a move to both the Glasgow rivals, meaning Rangers as well. The Iranian international currently plays for Akhmat Grozny in the Russian Premier League.

The 25-year-old, who’s known for his speed and versatility, can play as a full-back and a winger. So far this season, he has played 14 leagues games, helping his side to the top half of the table. Akhmat Grozny are currently 9th with 19 points, 6 points off European qualification spots.

Celtic need to dive into the market for a left-back to provide cover and competition to Kieran Tierney. Although the youngster has put in a series of impressive displays, only Emilio Izaguirre can play in his position. A suspension or long-term injury to the 21-year-old would be devastating for Celtic.

Izaguirre, signed on a free last summer, is 32 and the Honduran is past his best. Hence, Celtic need to find a long-term solid and reliable left back.

“Milad Mohammadi is renowned for his extraordinary speed and agility, qualities which have made him among the most prominent full-backs in Iranian football over the last four years.”

Milad Mohammadi would be the ideal player for Celtic. A player who possesses electric pace and excellent dribbling skills, the Iranian international can offer a lot in the attack as well as in defending. Tough on the tackle, he is a good and intelligent reader of the game.

He knows when to overlap and support the attack and when to sit deep. His aerial presence is great as is his concentration levels. Mohammadi can hold onto the ball and cross from the flank to create goalscoring opportunities for his side. On a side like Celtic, Odsonne Edouard could stand to benefit from Mohammadi’s support from the left-wing.

Capped 22 times by Iran and with two goals and five assists for Akhmat Grozny in the Russian Premier League, Milad Mohammadi would offer the competition Tierney needs.

The 21-year-old Scotland international already has three assists from 13 Premiership games this season. With Celtic hoping to go deep in the Europa League and continue the Bhoys’ domestic dominance, Brendan Rodgers might be forced to rotate his squad to freshen things. However, the Hoops will first have to manoeuvre around the tricky issue of qualifying from their group in Europe.

Signing Milad Mohammadi would boost Celtic’s chances of successfully defending the title. He’d be a welcome option, regardless of whether deployed as a left-back or defensive midfielder as he’d add to Celtic’s squad depth.

Additionally, Milad Mohammadi represents a long-term solution to the left-back position. With his current contract set to expire at the end of the season, a January move for the defender would be a relatively low-risk investment.

Alternatively, Celtic can a pre-contract agreement with the player, thus securing his services in July next year.